The Evaluation of Prick Test Results in Malatya

Aim: Skin prick test used for determination of allergic diseases is an easy, cheap, safe, fast, and frequently utilized test. There are factors such as genetic tendency, climate, humidity, vegetation, and altitude affecting the development of allergy. Our goal is to determine the allergic susceptibility of allergic patient in Malatya province. Material and Method: The 403 patients who referred to our chest clinic in Malatya between January 2008 and June 2010 with complaint of respiratory allergic diseases including asthma and allergic rhinitis were retrospectively investigated. Skin prick test results were evaluated according to age and gender. Results: Of the 403 patients incorporated to the study, 177 (43.9%) were male, 226 (56.1%) were female. Most common reaction was against to grasses, in 78 patients (19.4%). The other common reactions were found against to grains, in 70 patients (17.4%); to D. Farinea in 51 patients (12.7%); to D Pteronyssinus in 44 patients (10.9%); to grass mix in 41 patients (10.2%). Although reactions were higher in men than in women, only against to D. Pteronyssinus was statistical significant (p=0.032). Reactions were observed most commonly in 10-19 age group and secondly in 20-29 age group. Discussion: Atopic patients in Malatya province should be careful especially against to grasses, grains, and house dust mites